Versatile tape-drive target for high-repetition-rate laser-driven proton acceleration

Abstract We present the development and characterization of a high-stability, multi-material, multi-thickness tape-drive target for laser-driven acceleration at repetition rates up to 100 Hz. The tape surface position was measured be stable on sub-micrometre scale, compatible with high-numerical aperture focusing geometries required achieve relativistic intensity interactions pulse energy available in current multi-Hz near-future higher repetition-rate lasers ( $>$ kHz). Long-term drift characterized Hz demonstrating suitability operation over extended periods. continuously operated 5 recent experiment 70,000 shots without intervention by experimental team, exception replacement, producing largest data-set relativistically intense laser–solid foil measurements date. This drive provides robust targetry generation study high-repetition-rate ion beams using next-generation high-power laser systems, also enabling wider applications proton sources.